John Ashton Gibbel

John Ashton Gibbel of Arlington Heights, Illinois, unexpectedly passed away on February 15,
2024 at the age of 69 surrounded by the love of his wife, Kelly, and his three children, Shannon,
Scott and Lindsay.
John was born on November 23, 1954, to Lois and Melvin Gibbel. He was the youngest of three
boys, in a tight-knit family. After John graduated from Arlington High School in 1972, he studied
at Marquette University for his bachelor’s degree and met Kelly. John was a cheerleader for the
Marquette Warrior’s basketball team and rooted them on to the 1977 National Championship.
He then achieved his Physical Therapy degree from Northwestern University.
John led a life of service as a physical therapist for over forty years. Known as “Gentle John,” he
had a way about caring for people from all walks of life. He was respected for his knowledge
and approach, making many friends in the profession.
John always prioritized family. He coached all of his children in various sports including soccer,
basketball, and baseball, always focusing on the fundamentals. He served as an incredible role
model with his patience, calm demeanor and persistence for excellence. When not coaching, he
was a fixture in the stands, cheering and supporting their teams. These were his proudest
moments.
John loved his grandchildren immensely. As young as they are, “Papa John” already was
focused on teaching them skills in life while making them laugh. He cherished family time at
Paw Paw Lake and enjoyed boating and playing in the water with his grandchildren.
John enjoyed many vacations that included visiting his parents in South Carolina, chasing
sunsets in Mexico, and traveling throughout Europe. This past Christmas, John achieved his
dream vacation in Cabo San Lucas, in his dream villa, surrounded by his greatest treasures, his
family.
John’s competitive spirit was always carried over to the courts, golf courses, bowling alleys,
billiards, and even in the friendliest games of poker and pinball. He was always a student of the
game, tweaking his skills to improve his play. In later years, Pickleball became his greatest
passion and drive. John was proud to achieve the “Golden Pickle” just days before passing. He
cherished the friendships he gained through his games on the pickleball court. John will always
be remembered as a fierce competitor, while at the same time being calm, kind, and gentle
spirited.
John is preceded in death by his father Melvin Gibbel, his mother Lois (Wellborn) Gibbel, and
brother Charles Gibbel, and extended family members within the Gibbel and Curtis families.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years Kelly (Curtis) Gibbel; his children Shannon
(John) Piatek, Scott (Maggie) Gibbel, and Lindsay (Adam) Lukowicz; and five grandchildren
Grace, Reagan, Molly, Francis, and Caden. He is also survived by his brother Greg (Terri) Gibbel
and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 20 th at 9:00am with mass starting at
10:00am at St. James Catholic Church, 920 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to organizations that John
cared about: American Heart Association, Misericordia, and Alzheimer’s Association “In
memory of John Gibbel.”   

For those unable to attend in Person you can watch via a livestream starting at 9:50 am on Tuesday, January 20th.   https://www.stjamesah.org/online/  

Info 847-685-1002 www.cooneyfuneralhome.com